Best Wedding

I spoke to Michelle today for the first time since I photographed her and her husband Eric’s reception (they had a destination wedding in the keys a few weeks ago). She called and was inquiring about her image CD, and made sure I had the correct address to mail it to, and wanted to know if the shots that show in black and white will be printed in black and white. We almost hung up and I said: “Michelle…did you like your pictures?...” “Oh my God!” she burst “I LOVE them! They are beautiful! I’m sorry, I was thinking of all the questions I had I forgot to say anything”.

Well…as a photographer the first thing I want to hear is that the client is happy with their images. Its funny how many of my clients don’t realize how important this feedback is to me. I put so much attention and draw on every ounce of creativeness to get them pictures they will cherish forever; nothing gives me more joy than to hear they love their pictures!

Michelle and Eric wanted some pictures of just the two of them so we met before their reception to snap a few. As soon as I saw Michelle I knew this was going to be easy. As Eric put it: “you can get great shots of her even using a disposable camera, she’s so beautiful”. I have to agree with Eric, and the way Michelle looked at him, they are so in love my job was easy as pie. If it wasn’t for the heat and humidity we probably would have stayed there all afternoon enjoying taking pictures.

Inside the reception room there was dancing and cake, and some very good friends who came to share the joy, including one of my past couples, Lindsay and Terry Griffin. It was so good to see them, they are such a sweet couple, and they were so sad to hear I was leaving back to Israel, as they said “we were looking forward to having you photograph our pregnancy pictures and all other family portraits over the years”. Hearing this brings up such mixed emotions. There is no doubt I am very sad to leave behind all my wonderful clients.

And as I was leaving I walked passed everyone jumping around dancing and being goofy just enjoying life, and I thought to myself: “family, friends, celebrations - this is what life is about”…

Tosi Wedding

I was taking some detail shots in Casey & Ron’s reception hall before their wedding started and their guests arrived when I noticed a pair of cowboy boots lying across two beautifully decorated reception chairs. Instantly I knew this wedding was going to be one serious party…

And I was not disappointed. After the official ceremonies were over, and we got through dealing with trying to take pictures during a pretty serious afternoon rain storm, the celebrations begun – and didn’t seem to be winding down four hours later as I was leaving for the night.

They had such a good time, and I loved how they knew it was their day – and they enjoyed it their style – no excuses, no traditions – just pure joy and fun.

When Ron gave Casey a lap dance after removing her garter the guest’s laughter could be heard even over the loud music. We all thought that was the craziest this evening will go – until the guy who removed the garter gave a lap dance to the girl who caught the bouquet…

What a fun night, and in the midst of all this, as I was shooting all the craziness around me, I caught Ron winking at Casey, and Casey smiling back at him their little private smile, and I knew this couple has many, many more fun years to share together!

August 17th - an email came from Casey today: "Hey Rinat! I just wanted to touch base with you, we just got back from our honeymoon and I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the pictures!!!! You are so amazing, and you really helped calm me down during the wedding so thank you very much for that, it meant a LOT. I heard the news about you moving back... so sad, but I hope everything is okay. Hope to talk to you real soon! XOXOXO -Casey McLaughlin-Tosi"